The problems of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq can be solved by political means,

aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the activity of the international inspectors.

I am going to discuss the situation in the region, questions of our bilateral relations and the current situation at the Kosovo stretch of the Yugoslav-Macedonian border,

[ ”²] We do not see today any grounds for passing a U.N. resolution that would envisage or sanction the use of force against Iraq, … We always underlined that the use of force is...

One has to be fully aware of the fact that the prevailing system of arms control agreements is a complex and quite fragile structure,

The day on which the black cloud of dust from the collapsed skyscrapers overcast the blue sky over New York will go down in world history,

[In another development, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said she has been in close contact –] practically every day … to get the Russians on the side of the rest of the allies in...

This will without doubt play into the hands of separatists in Kosovo and Montenegro wanting to leave the (Yugoslav) federation,

Carrying out this plan allows not only for reinforcing KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) detachments, but also for carrying out a ground operation. NATO is currently preparing for such an operation,

Iraq’s debt to the Russian Federation comes to $8 billion U.S. and as far as the Russian government’s position on this, it is not planning any kind of write-off of that debt.

Is it really a concern about humanitarian problems? … We are open to that and confirm that today. But those organizations who we welcome in the Caucasus, why are they so indifferent to the situation...

We are not trying now to carry out any major ground attack, … The job consists of liquidating the terrorist groups and not allowing any more loss of lives among the civilian population and the...

war against the terrorists.

I confirmed our position that an immediate end to the bombing is necessary or, at least, a pause in the bombing must be declared while talks continue.

There is movement — movement in the right direction,

Certain developments in Russian politics and foreign policy in recent months have given us pause,

[] We do not see today any grounds for passing a U.N. resolution that would envisage or sanction the use of force against Iraq, … We always underlined that the use of force is an...

The collapse of the ABM Treaty would, therefore, undermine the entirety of disarmament agreements concluded over the last 30 years,

After four years since the beginning of the tragedy in the Balkans, we have to recognize the painful fact that this conflict has brought nothing but grief, suffering and destruction, … There have been no...

If in the coming days the situation does not change, we need to take additional extraordinary measures, including at the highest level,

Everyone realizes full well that if a military conflict breaks out in Kosovo, it would willy-nilly spread over the neighboring states as well as to the Balkans as a whole,

In accordance with international law, those who give such orders should be held responsible, including in a criminal way, … The international tribunal on the former Yugoslavia should immediately look into this.

On some aspects of this question, our opinions coincide, but there are many complicated issues which still remain to be worked out together, … Our opinion (is) that all sides should refrain from any action...

The sooner we stop this war, the sooner we sit at the negotiation table in the U.N. Security Council, the faster we’ll be able to solve the problems that are of concern.

a violation of the United Nations charter.

Russia is ready to actively participate further in resolving the situation,

We have assurances by the president and vice president that the American side says they will follow the ABM treaty, … Any possible plans must be agreed to, and that’s what we discussed.

[ ‘ ] We do not see today any grounds for passing a U.N. resolution that would envisage or sanction the use of force against Iraq, … We always underlined that the use of force...

In our view, it is important to carefully preserve (the system that) has been built up over the decades and that has also functioned as a guarantee of international security.

with all due seriousness.

There are no issues that cannot be resolved through dialogue and compromise on the basis of existing legislation and the constitution,

the country which is attacked must have weapons to defend itself.

This aspect was not discussed today,

any form of international presence requires the agreement of the government of Yugoslavia.

Nobody has the right to act on their own in the name of the United Nations and even less to pretend to be the judge of the entire world,

The Yugoslav people should be completely free to express their will without any internal or external pressure,

who should give a clear answer to the question of whether Iraq has weapons of mass destruction or not.

We will continue to look for points of coinciding,

isn’t the way that could help find a political solution.

Resolution 1441 does not give anyone the right to an automatic use of force. Russia believes that the Iraqi problem should be regulated by the Security Council, which carries the main responsibility for ensuring international...

Together, we are prepared to lay a foundation for a more secure future for the entire world,

We are at the start of the 21st century and there are many risks in the world and we think that collaboration between Russia and the Vatican corresponds to the common good,

We have discussed the principles today, … Now we will start to go to the practice.

The schedule has now been disturbed and the wording of the resolution has become difficult,

This is an internal problem of Russia,

Afghanistan and Iraq lack stability. The situation in the South Caucasus is also complex. The pressure that NATO and US political and military structures are exerting on Central Asia is heightening tension in the region,

A military strike will not help normalize the situation but will have the opposite effect,

must be searched for through dialogue, including with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The resolution has made a real threat of war go away and opens the way for further work in the interests of a political- diplomatic settlement of the situation around Iraq.

The main task … is to stop bombing. After that, Russia is ready for working out the U.N. resolution, which will give the basis for post-war settlement in Yugoslavia,